Jeffrey Philip Zeitner (Zeke)
July 18, 1954 – October 14, 2024
Jeffrey Philip Zeitner (Zeke) passed away October 14, 2024 at the age of 70 in Apache Junction, AZ.
Jeff was born on July 18, 1954 in Glasgow, MT to Chris and Gladys Zeitner, the 7th of 8 children.
He moved from Opheim MT to Billings at the age of 10, then to Helena at age 12 where he attended
Ray Bjork, Helena Junior High and graduated from Helena Senior High School in 1973.
Jeff attended Eastern Montana college in Billings and had the time of his life there (the unofficial “King of Eastern!) He also attended Devry Institute in Phoenix when he moved to Arizona in 1984.
Jeff worked for the Forest Service fighting fires in the summer for 10 years. He was a crew member of the Helena IR Hot shots. After he moved to Arizona, he gave up fighting fires and fought the heat working in a recycling center. He said he couldn’t move back to Montana as it was too cold for him
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris (1983) and Gladys (1971), brothers Rick (2023) and Kerry (2020) and his grandparents Jacob and Rose Zeitner and William (King) and Bertha Lewis.
He is survived by brothers, Mike (Carole), Doug (Lois), Randy (they shared the same birthday) and sisters, Jo (Paul) Roney and Christy (Jeff) Meyer. 17 nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Jeff often liked to refer to his siblings by their number order instead of names. You had to know birth order to know which sibling he was talking about!
Jeff loved football (Raiders), baseball (New York Yankees), horse racing and dog racing. If he knew what team you were rooting for you could expect a message from him regarding it (and possibly a small wager). He was also an avid reader, cribbage and card player.
His sister Jo always said that God gave him a ‘merry heart’, he never complained and always took things in stride. He made friends where ever he went and those friendships meant the world to him. He loved reminiscing about all the fun times in his life. He was an amazing brother and friend and you knew you could count on him for anything.
No services are planned at this time but a celebration of life will be held in the summer. In the meantime, do something kind for those around you and raise a toast in his honor (his would be a Rainier!)
We will miss Jeff terribly but find comfort in knowing he is at peace.
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Teresa Lightbody says
To my dear Zeitner Familly,
Jeff was a good man with a giant, warm heart and a wise crack remark for everything. The world lost a good one but heaven gained an angel. I smile every time I think of him and I always will.
Sending my love to you all,
Teresa
Greg and Debi Fuhrman says
Jeff was a wonderful man. Lifting his family up in Prayer. Greg and Debi Fuhrman
Buddy Maras says
One thing I always remember Jeff did wend you ask him, he would turn his head side way and rub his beard,and said we’ll than said something .prayers for a old friend
John Sandford says
Jeff was quite a guy & always nice to me. I fought fires with him for 2 years, so we shared a lot of experiences. RIP Jeff.
Linda Herrington says
I went to school at Helena High and Eastern with Zeke. He always seemed happy and went with the flow. He did like to party. I cleaned his house more than once. We were once very close and I am sad to hear he is gone. My prayers are with the family. Linda(Tuffli)Herrington
Janet Bailey says
Sympathy to all of Jeff’s family. Love from Jim and Janet Bailey
Rick Broadwater says
My condolences to the family. Jeff was a one of a kind. Fun person to be around with a unique sense of humor. Met him in Freshman year of high school and were instant friends. Anywhere I went if he saw me he’d yell, “BROADWATER”! Then the fun would begin. RIP ZEKE!!
Megan Robles says
I had the privilege of seeing Jeff often at the library where I work, and from the moment we met, it was clear just how special he was. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. I always looked forward to our conversations—his playful teasing about my lunch choices and my gentle scolding about his candy breakfasts became a daily ritual that brought a smile to my face. Jeff’s presence brightened our days, and his absence is deeply felt. He is, and always will be, greatly missed.